Case Number 11111

THE QUIET DUEL

The Charge

"Sometimes when you listen in secret, you hear the truth." -- Rui
Minegishi

Opening Statement

It's often interesting to see a master's less recognized work. Akira Kurosawa
directed numerous classics, many of which have earned (and received) first-rate
treatment by Criterion. In North America, we hadn't had much opportunity to see
The Quiet Duel until now. BCI Eclipse has added it to their new Directors
Series line of releases, giving us our first chance to check it out on DVD. As
it turns out, the movie is actually quite good.

Facts of the Case

Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) stars as Kyoji, a young doctor whose
engagement is complicated when he contracts syphilis while operating on a
wounded soldier during World War II. Ashamed, he tells no-one, treats himself in
private, and breaks off his engagement with Misao (Miki Sanjo, Ghost
Man). Kyoji's turmoil becomes even more problem when he's forced to deal
once again with the man who gave him syphilis, even as he struggles to gain the
help and support of his father Konosuke (Takashi Shimura, Stray Dog) and
bold assistant nurse Rui (Noriko Sengoku, Drunken Angel). Kyoji is a good
man, but his personal pain may devour him.

The Evidence

The Quiet Duel hasn't had the same attention as most of Kurosawa's
films. It's from early in his career -- only his second collaboration with
Toshiro Mifune. All I had really heard about it is warnings that it isn't up to
par with his other films from this era, and that it's dwarfed by
Rashomon, The Seven Samurai, and Ikiru. After seeing The
Quiet Duel, it's hard to argue much with those assessments. The movie never
rises to the brilliance and creativity of those other titles. Of course, that
doesn't mean it's bad. It just isn't a masterpiece.

Kurosawa took on this project with several strikes already against him. It's
adapted from a stage play, which means the whole tale is quite static. There are
only a handful of locations, and scenes are quite long. There is almost no
action or movement whatsoever. As well, Kyoji's struggle is fundamentally
internal, and doesn't transfer well to the screen. As a result, I went into the
film hopeful but apprehensive.

As expected, The Quiet Duel isn't very fast-paced. It begins with a
brilliantly constructed sequence as rain and other difficult conditions lead to
Kyoji's contracting syphilis. After that, the film slows down as we get to know
the other characters and settle into the set of problems which need resolution.
These scenes feature long discussions and agonizing character development, as
Kyoji rejects Misao a number of times and she comes crawling back, sobbing
softly as he silently tortures himself. It's hard to attach to them emotionally
through the middle scenes of the movie, since we don't buy that the situation
could really be that hard to solve. Even through these sequences, though, the
actors manage to sell the melodramatic story, in a group of understated, sincere
performances.

As the film progresses, though, the script gradually catches up with the
characters. When Kyoji has to once again deal with the man who gave him
syphilis, it echoes his own internal struggle. There are some other developments
as well, each one complicating the initially straightforward themes. Yes, we
suffer sometimes when we do the right thing, and secrets sometimes cover up
surprising truths. These are familiar themes, but Kurosawa uses them to explore
more challenging ideas. Kyoji is given a choice towards the end of the film, one
that would be difficult for any man. There is also the matter of the shame that
both Kyoji and Rui feel. Kyoji hides his disease, even though he contracted it
in an honorable way. Syphilis has always been a disease with a stigma attached,
so he steals the medicine to treat himself. Rui would surely love to hide her
shame at being pregnant and unwed, too. She has no honorable excuse for the
situation she's found herself in, and it's made her an o! utcast in post-war
Japan. She can't hide the truth, though, as there is physical evidence of her
own shame.

These more complex ideas push towards a brilliant climax, that is both
exciting and satisfying. By this point, it's easy to look past the petty
melodrama of Kyoji's own struggle, focusing instead on the implications of the
actions and choices of each of the characters. As with most of his films,
Kurosawa keenly turns a simple story into a poetic exploration of philosophy and
politics. The Quiet Duel works as both an ensemble drama and an
exploration of post-war Japan, exploring how those who return from war must
always leave things behind on the battlefield, whether out of pride or
shame.

There's some excellent cinematography slipped into the mix as well. Although
The Quiet Duel doesn't show the same brilliant framing and composition
that Kurosawa developed as his career continued, there are several breathtaking
moments. The performances are also exceptional throughout, highlighting why
Mifune would become such a key player in Kuroawa's work and Japanese cinema's
biggest star. His stoic performance simmers until Kyoji eventually explodes with
emotion, all the more effective because of the silence that has come before.
Special mention must also be made of Noriko Sengoku, whose fiery apprentice
nurse is richly developed and entertaining. She is a brilliant counterpoint to
Mifune's silence, and reason enough to check out the film.

Unfortunately, BCI Eclipse hasn't been able to put the resources into
properly restoring The Quiet Duel. The video transfer is soft and ugly,
with little contrast and no black level to speak of. It's hard to appreciate
even the most impressive moments of cinematography, but I realize that only so
much can be done with a film print this old. The sound is also disappointing,
presented in a mono track that contains loud hiss throughout. The dialogue is
harsh and the music isn't mixed well, not to mention the oddly upbeat ditties
that refuse to meld with the story itself.

More has been done with the special features, evidently pulled from a recent
Japanese DVD edition. There are several interviews with some of the cast and
crew still living, as well as some helpful but overly apologetic liner notes.
There is also a news reel from the production of the film. This is a solid
collection of extras for such a low profile release, and it's appreciated. We
aren't likely to get a better edition of The Quiet Duel anytime soon.

Closing Statement

All over the packaging, it's implied that The Quiet Duel isn't in the
same league as some of Kurosawa's other work. While that is true, it's far more
important to focus on what The Quiet Duel is: an exceptionally formed
melodrama that works far better than it should. It is worth seeing, especially
for fans of the director. It has been hiding in the shadows for far too
long.